Cabinet’s 5 Big Moves: Roads to Villages, Insurance for Seniors, and a Boost to India’s Renewable Energy and Weather Forecasting

The Union Cabinet has made five significant decisions that promise to impact key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and weather forecasting. Here’s a quick summary of these big moves:

1. Connecting India’s Remotest Villages

₹70,125 crore allocated for the next phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
62,500 km of new roads will be constructed, connecting 25,000 unconnected habitations.
Focus on areas emerging due to population growth, with alignment guided by the Gati Shakti Portal.
This initiative is expected to generate 40 crore person-days of employment, providing a boost to rural economies.

2. Health Insurance for Seniors Under Ayushman Bharat

Expansion of Ayushman Bharat to provide health insurance coverage for all senior citizens aged 70+, regardless of income.
Initial outlay of ₹3,437 crore, covering an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
Previously uncovered seniors will now be eligible for full coverage.

3. Boosting Hydropower and Renewable Energy

₹12,461 crore allocated to enhance hydropower infrastructure as part of India’s commitment to renewable energy.
The plan aims to develop 133 GW of hydroelectric power to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Investments will be made in essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and transmission lines.

4. Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption with PM E-Drive

₹10,900 crore sanctioned under the PM E-drive initiative to promote electric vehicles (EVs), with a focus on expanding charging infrastructure.
The initiative includes introducing 38,000 e-buses across 169 cities, aiming for broader EV adoption, especially in public transportation.

5. Modernizing Weather Predictions via Mission Mausam

The ₹2,000 crore Mission Mausam will improve weather forecasting accuracy using cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven data models, advanced radars, and new satellites.
The initiative focuses on providing real-time, precise weather updates, which are particularly crucial for the agricultural sector.

These decisions reflect the government’s multi-pronged approach to infrastructure development, social welfare, renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate readiness.